News: New face joins EastEnders as Johnny Carter returns

EastEnders bosses have revealed that Johnny Carter will be returning to Albert Square, and that a new actor will be taking on the role.

Ted Reilly has joined the cast of EastEnders, taking over from Sam Strike as Johnny Carter. We last saw Johnny in December 2014 where he left the Square to go travelling.

Actor Ted Reilly joins EastEnders

Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins has said about the return: “Johnny is a key member of the Carter family and he’s been missing over the past year and a half, when so much has happened to the Carters”

He continued: “As the family embark on their next big storyling to take them through 2016, it felt wrong not to have Johnny back to play a big part in that – and learn everything that has happened while he has been away”.

Actor Same Strike as Johnny Carter

“We have so much in store for Johnny and so many stories to tell. After massive casting sessions and recalls with Danny (Dyer) and Kellie (Bright), we have found in Ted not only a brilliant actor, but the perfect Johnny Carter”.

Speaking about his new role, Ted Reilly said: “I’m truly delighted to be joining such an iconic show. The Carters are a fantastic family and I can’t wait to get started”.

Before leaving Walford, Johnny Carter, the youngest son of Mick and Linda, came out as gay and had a short love interest with Ben Mitchell. It will be interesting to see if anything develops further between the pair. Johnny did leave the Square to go travelling with his boyfriend, however, it is unclear if he will be coming home single or taken.

Johnny Carter with Ben Mitchell before he left the Square

All we know is we can’t wait to see Ted Reilly in action and to have Johnny Carter back!